2011 Washington Redskins Positional Grades: Wide Receiver
Before we get started, I would like to thank the Rant Sports team for adding me onto their roster! My name is Emmanual Benton, however, most call me “Manny” or “E” (totally your choice). I’m highly honored for the opportunity to discuss Redskins football on this platform, and stoked to get going. Now that I’ve completed my “First Day of School drill” we can get started on what truly matters to you guys, which is Redskins Football!
For the next few days we’re going to evaluate each position from the 2011 Washington Redskins football team. Today, we start with the Wide Receivers.
2011 Washington Redskins Wr’s:
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Jabar Gaffney: 68 receptions, 947 yards, 5 Td
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Santana Moss: 46 receptions, 584 yards, 4 Td
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Anthony Armstrong: 7 receptions, 103 yards, 2 Td
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Leonard Hankerson: 13 receptions, 163 yards, 0 Td
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Donte’ Stallworth: 22 receptions, 309 yards, 2 Td
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Niles Paul: 2 receptions, 25 yards, 0 Td
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Brandon Banks: 1 receptions, 10 yards, 0 Td
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David Anderson: 7 receptions, 79 yards, 1 Td
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Terrance Austin: 12 receptions, 137 yards, 0 Td
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Aldrick Robinson: Promoted to the Roster before the final game
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” Though it had nothing to do with football, the Washington Redskins tried their best in 2011 to create a new meaning to that statement.
The Redskins currently have 10 Wr’s on their roster, hence the “Carry a big stick” comparison. Due to injuries, the Redskins entered most games with 6 or 7 receivers, which obviously is still a large group.
In the NFL, a cliche’ often used is “let your play speak for itself”, which bring us to the “speak softly” statement that seemed to be common with the Redskins receivers. There was not enough production from this group to justify the amount of Wr’s kept.
10 year Veteran, Jabar Gaffney was a bright spot. He was the most consistent receiver, and towards mid-season, became a primary target. At 31 years old, he quietly became a leader on this offense and allowed his play to speak at a greater volume.
With the emergence of Jabar Gaffney, it has made me wonder, is Santana Moss needed in this offense? At 32 years old, do the Redskins really need both Moss and Gaffney? In my opinion, they don’t. However, it is always difficult to move on from players that have done so much for your organization.
Mike Shanahan has proven in the past, he’s all about “what have you done for me lately.” Recently, Santana Moss has not been the playmaker he once was, and trying to make him a possession receiver has not worked. Not to mention, Moss has not been consistent with catching the ball, and his clutch gene has worn off.
I’m a huge fan of Santana, but the reality is, Mike Shanhan must infuse youth, speed, and playmaker ability at this position. 2011 rookie receiver, Leonard Hankerson flashed greatness in a limited time before suffering an injury. Another 2011 rookie, Niles Paul sure looks the part, however was not used as a receiving target majority of the season. As those two players develop, they could bring needed speed/size to the offense.
Anthony Armstrong somehow ended up in the now infamous, “Shanny Dog House” as he was unable to display the ability to beat press man coverage during games/practice. At 28 years old, you have to wonder how much more Armstrong can develop.
Then you have a guy in Terrance Austin, a 2 year vet, that’s been slowly developed but seems physically limited. Speaking of limited, maybe no one is more deserving of that tag than Brandon Banks, another 2 year vet. Who at 5ft 7, 150 lbs and some change, is just not built for the consistent beating NFL receivers often face. Banks has speed for days, and is capable to make big plays in open space… but he’s an injury waiting to happen.
Donte’ Stallworth flashed playmaker ability at times in the 2011 season. Yet, he too is often injured, and at 31 has probably reached his peak.
David Anderson is an interesting player on this roster, because he showed some ability to play slot receiver late this season. The Redskins signed Anderson in November, and at 28 years old, maybe he’s a guy you keep around. Not to mention, another guy worth noting, 2011 rookie Aldrick Robinson who spent majority of the season on practice squad. He will have a chance to prove himself, as he possess speed and playmaker ability needed for this offense.
My overall grade for the 2011 Washington Redskins receivers is: C-
There’s some potential in this group, but it is definitely a position in need of an upgrade this offseason. As we dive into the available free agents and 2012 draft prospects these next few weeks, we’ll have a chance to put on our “General Manager Hats.”
So let’s go have ourselves an offseason!
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why, maybe, however I think the red skins should draft better, sign capable free agents and take coach shannon to a brain specialist for his choice of quarterbacks, since all the babies in the country are crying more and long since he he named rex groosman the starting quarterback.